The Million-Dollar Heart

When Leopold walked in, the scene before him stopped him dead in his tracks.

There was Percival, shirtless and blushing furiously, sprawled on the couch while Vivienne, with eyes sparkling with mischief, was pointing her smartphone at him like she was about to devour him whole. Leopold was dumbfounded.

He had only been gone for what, ten minutes? And things had escalated this quickly?

The room was buzzing with an energy that was both electric and slightly scandalous.

The unexpected interruption clearly didn't sit well with Vivienne, who shot Leopold a glare sharp enough to cut, "Out!"

Leopold, taken aback and with every wild thought fleeing his mind except for self-preservation, stammered, "Uh, Vivienne, I saw nothing, really. Just came to drop off the car keys...'

With that, he tossed the keys towards the entryway and made a hasty retreat, not even bothering to close the door properly.

Once outside, he took a deep breath.

Trust Vivienne to be involved in something he hadn't even dreamed of.

Poor Percival, though. In Vivienne's clutches, he was practically a goner.

After snapping a few pics, Vivienne put down her phone and picked up a cotton swab to tend to the scrapes on Percival's arms and shoulders.

Once she was done, she let out a sigh and finally voiced her concerns, "Mr. Wolf, it looks like our wedding might need to be postponed."

Percival turned to face her, "Your dad still not on board?"

Vivienne grimaced, "It's not just my dad this time. My four uncles too. They want to throw a big bash. My mom's wedding was a surprise to them, and now, they want to make sure they're fully prepared for ours."

Percival thought for a moment, then pulled her into a hug, "I understand."

Feeling his strong heartbeat, Vivienne nestled closer, "You're so understanding, Mr. Wolf."

Percival stroked her hair, his eyes filled with affection, "My understanding is all for you."

plans to me. I'll meet your dad and your

in surprise, "You think you can

"There's always a way."

"I've dealt with tougher crowds than your brothers. Your uncles won't be a

couldn't help but look forward to it, "Well, you better be prepared, Mr.

Wolf's couch, or just being by his side, but Vivienne soon

up, she saw dusk had settled

coffee table, complete with four dishes, a soup, and a palm-sized strawberry cheesecake. "Come

reaching for the cake first, only for Percival to hand her a fork,

heart, "Mr. Wolf, you're getting stingy. This cake's too small for my appetite." Percival sighed, "Eating too much cream at night

raised an eyebrow, "Fine, tomorrow I want a cheesecake twice

laughed and

with a deep look, he asked, "Staying

"Better not. I don't want your house to be one room

Percival, "..."

everyone have to take their frustrations out on his

The Linklater household.

in, Arthur's booming voice filled the

dare he! I'm going to blow that scoundrel's house sky-high..." Vivienne strode over, ice

"I, uh..."

fury to fondness

misheard, darling. I was saying, it's late; are you hungry? I've just mastered the perfect fried mozzarella sticks. Want

control, Arthur's face was the picture

"No thanks, I've

deflated Arthur's earlier bluster, and he quickly agreed, "Alright, then first thing tomorrow, I'll make you breakfast." Vivienne, heading upstairs, suddenly turned back to Sasha, "Mom, Mr.

giving Arthur

not be hasty next time. She's home safe, isn't No need to blow

few days, Vivienne stayed quietly at

garden with Sasha